CIT (Crisis Intervention
Team) Training for 911 Dispatchers
Tuesday, M arch 17 or Wednesday, March 18, 0800 - 1600
Location: 3359 Broadway, Buffalo, NY 14227 - Rm 112
Who Can Attend?: This 8-hr course is open to all 911 dispatchers in Erie County.
Dispatchers play a crucial role in identifying callers that may be experiencing a mental health
crisis, and partnering with appropriate resources to divert or police to respond!
Instruction will include how to recognize emotional and mental distress, ensuring officer and
subject safety, the role of CIT officers and Mobile Outreach, communication and de-escalation
techniques, suicide and lethality assessments, diversion and community resources, and mental
hygiene law.
Presented in partnership between Crisis Services Emergency Mental Health Department with
CIT Officers and Dispatch from NYS University Police, & Town of Lancaster Police. Course
content has been adapted from New York State’s Office of Mental Health 40-hr CIT curriculum
for law enforcement, and reviewed by 911 specialists from CIT International.
What are Crisis Intervention Teams?
Specialized training for law enforcement in responding to individuals with mental illness
Creation of teams of officers within jurisdictions designated to respond to EDP calls
Focuses on identification of mental illness and referral to helpful resources
Benefits to the Community:
Increases safety
Improves communication between citizens
and law enforcement
Builds trust in the community
Increase awareness about mental health
Focus on providing appropriate care to
individuals with mental illness
Benefits for Police Agencies:
Reduces officer injury
Decrease chance of using force
Focus on diversion (jail and hospital)
Cost effective; promotes appropriate use
of police resources
Encourages better relationships between
community and police.
Enrollment: Please send an email to Mo Madden cittrainingcoordinator@crisisservices.org and
include the officer’s name, rank if applicable, email, and department.